Kehl dismisses Haaland’s criticism of Dortmund’s future planning

Sebastian Kehl, head of professional football at Borussia Dortmund, has dismissed the claims of star striker Erling Haaland that the club are pressuring him to make a quick decision on his future.

Dortmund, Germany (dpa) – “There is no ultimatum, there is no deadline,” Kehl told broadcaster Sport1’s ‘Doppelpass’ programme on Sunday. “We’re not putting him under pressure to have to decide in the next weeks.”

Kehl, however, admitted he was a “a bit surprised” by Haaland’s comments to Norwegian television after Friday’s 5-1 Bundesliga win over Freiburg.

Haaland said “the club has started to put pressure on me to make a decision” about his future which could include a transfer this summer.

The 21-year-old has a contract until 2024 but reportedly has a buyout clause which would allow him to leave after the current season for 75 million euros (86 million dollars).

Haaland, who has scored 77 goals for Dortmund in 78 games since joining in January 2020, would be welcome at virtually every European top club though only a handful realistically have the financial resources to sign him.

First talks beween Haaland, his agent Mino Raiola and Dortmund are reportedly scheduled for later in the month, and Dortmund want clarity by March.

Kehl said the position of the club also had to be understood. “Because he is so important for us, there must be certainty of planning from a certain point,” he said.

“How can I otherwise develop my squad planning, how we replace an Erling Haaland, if we don’t receive an indication to a certain time if the player wants to stay with Borussia Dortmund or not? That’s simply legitimate, that’s super professional.”

Dortmund are six points behind leaders Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga title race, continue their defence of the German Cup in the last 16 next week, and are among the favourites in the Europa League having been knocked out of the Champions League group phase.

Haaland said “not now” when asked about the ideal moment for a decision.

“We are in the midst of a difficult period with many games,” he said. “I want to concentrate on football. That’s when I am at my best. And not when I have other things on my mind.”